8. Ivan Koloff

A quick way to get heel heat in the world of Professional Wrestling is to declare your hatred for the United Sates and take on the persona of one of their enemies. More often than not, these performers were not from those countries, but back in the 70’s and 80’s had you told anyone that Ivan Koloff was not really a Russian, it would be hard to find anyone to believe you.

Ivan Koloff played the part of the evil Russian well.With his barrel chest and vicious look, Koloff looked meaner than others who wore the hammer and sickle emblem.Enjoying a long and prosperous career, Koloff racked up titles everywhere he went and has the distinction of being the wrestler who first dethroned Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF Championship.If there was anyone who played the part of the evil Soviet wrestler better and longer than Ivan Koloff, we are hard pressed to think of him.

Why they will get in:He held the big strap in the WWF and is widely known and respected.

Why they won't get in:With Nikolai Volkoff in, the WWE may feel it has its token “Russian”.

Five Greatest Matches/Moments:1. Defeated Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship (1/18/71) 2. Headlined Soldier Field in AWA Title Shot against Verne Gagne (9/1/72) 3. Defeated Roddy Piper for his first of four Mid Atlantic Heavyweight Titles (4/16/81) 4. With Nikita Koloff, lost to the Rock and Roll Express in a brilliant match at Starrcade 85 (12/28/85) 5. Had a face turn which allowed Koloff to finish off his career in the NWA cheered as he feuded with Paul Jones (1988)

He was the guy Bruno put over after 8 years as champ. Not Gorilla Monsoon, Fritz Von Erich, Ray Stevens or any number of top heels. It was Ivan Koloff. If any pre-Vince Jr. WWWF guy deserves it, it's him.